Sorry for the long wait, I know how annoying it is when this kind of thing happens. It's been a while since chapter 2, but I'll try to add chapters more often now.
Tsunade paced back and forth, still nervous from when the two genin left her office. Naruto can't possibly fail this one too, can he? I mean, the boys got the heart for it…but what about Hinata? How this mission will go remains a complete mystery.
Even Shizune seemed to have a say in the situation. "Lady Tsunade, are you sure about this? They are still genin, couldn't we send someone more…well, qualified?"
Tsunade eyed her suspiciously. "Who do you have in mind? The mission isn't exactly meant for just anyone, after all. I chose Naruto for a reason."
"Well, why not a jonin or a chunnin at least? We could send Kakashi or perhaps even Jiraya the toad sage if they aren't busy."
"Don't worry so much about it, Shizune; I'm sure Naruto will be fine." Although the main reason was because of the shortage the Leaf was having of jonin and well trained ninja.
The two young ninja approached Konoha's large entrance, and Naruto turned to face Hinata just as they left.
"Are you sure you have everything? If your missing any ninja tools or anything you'll need to survive on for the next few days, feel free to return to your house to get it. I'll wait here." The girl nodded her head in assurance. "Don't worry Naruto-kun, I'll be alright." The yellow-haired boy gave her his patented grin. "Whatever you say, let's try to finish this mission quickly."
He wants to finish this mission so quickly. What if…what if its because he doesn't like me? Could Naruto really hate me?
Hinata pondered while nervously tapping her foot on the ground. She then ran to follow Naruto out of Konoha's gates. As they headed through the forest towards their destination, Hinata decided to start a conversation between the two of them. "So um, Naruto-kun… About Sasuke, what made him leave?" Naruto didn't answer right away, making Hinata worry that she hit a sensitive subject. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun."
He looked back at her as they were jumping through the trees, then answered sadly "I…I don't really know. He always wanted power, but I never though he would put that over friendship and loyalty."
Hinata looked down at her feet, then up towards Naruto as she said "I…I'm sorry it had to be that way be-between you two." He looked back at her and said simply "Don't worry about it. All I know is I'll get Sasuke back, and I'll kill this Orochimaru creep in the process."
Hinata jumped a little in surprise. I've never seen Naruto-kun this serious before, he really wants to retrieve his friend…
Once they reached a clearing, they decided it was best if they set up camp, as the trip to Orochimaru's base was long and tiresome. It was a far distance just to get to the mountains from where they currently were, and getting to the mountains was only half of it.
"Man, what a journey." Naruto whined as he set up the tent and unfolded the sleeping bags. But I still don't care how long this takes. I'll bring Sasuke back…I promised Sakura...
Hinata cleared the area of bugs, loose branches, and anything that will get in the way later that night. They both needed a lot of sleep, as there was a long road ahead of them. "Naruto-kun…can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"Umm…You like Sakura, right?"
"Hmmm…I used to, but I grew tired of rejection and decided to move on. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I need some advice. How does a boy know when a girl likes them? How can a girl hint a man that she's in love with him, without directly saying anything about her feelings?"
Naruto cocked his head to the side, then thought for a moment. Odd question. "Usually, if a girl acts different around a guy, it means she likes them. I think that's how it goes. I remember how different Rock Lee would act around Sakura, or how I used to act around her…But don't ask me, I don't know much about dating subjects."
Later that night, they finished setting up camp and sat in bed talking and learning more about each other. Hinata explained where she came from and her clan rules and such, while Naruto listened carefully. He didn't say much about his past, for obvious reasons, only that he never really had a family.
"…and anyway, he's always late for training and he reads some pervy book all the time, but he's cool I guess."
"He sounds pretty co-cool, Naruto-kun."
"Thanks Hinata, but I was just wondering...why do you keep calling me Naruto-kun?"
Hinata blushed a light red, and thought of a response fast. "That's what I call all of my friends, just to be nice." Although she wanted to be more than friends with Naruto, and he was truthfully the only one she used "kun" with.
Wow, she's pretty nice to me. Shes probably one of the first friends I have that's actually a girl (Sasuke doesn't count) aside from Sakura.
"You know Hinata, your not that bad. Your a cool person, and I like your sense of humour." He smiled at her and giggled a little.
Hinata didn't faint, but did blush a crimson red. "Thanks Naruto-kun, your great too." Na-Naruto-kun likes me. I'm so glad...)
They both felt tired and yawned, thus deciding to get some rest.
"Well, I'm gonna call it a night Hinata. See ya in the morning." Naruto said softly as he rolled over into his sleeping bag.
"Good night, Naruto-kun." Behind his back, she blew him a kiss and fell asleep within minutes.
